COMMENTARY: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

R – E – S – P – E – C – T. Aretha Franklin reminded us how it’s spelled, but a lot of us need coaching on how to show it. In both personal and political relationships the failure to treat each other with respect is generating incivility, contempt and violence.

There’s an important distinction between respecting a person in the sense that we admire and hold that person in especially high esteem and treating others with respect. While respecting others is desirable, respectfulness is morally mandatory. Thus, people of character treat everyone with respect, even those who are not personally respectworthy.

The way we behave toward others is an expression of our values and character. Thus, we should treat others with respect, not because they have a right, but because we have a moral duty to do unto others the way we want them to do unto us. Again, it’s not because they deserve it, but because doing less would diminish our own character.

That’s the message in an old story about a politician who found himself being drawn into mudslinging and name-calling. Once he realized he was lowering himself to his opponent’s level, he stopped and said, “Sir, I will treat you as a gentleman, not because you are one, but because I am one.”

It can take a lot of self-control to be respectful to people who are nasty, dishonorable, or disrespectful to us. Still, our inner sense of integrity should help us resist temptations to “fight fire with fire.” As Lily Tomlin said, “The problem with the rat race is that, even if you win, you’re still a rat.”

Comments 4

Michael, I agree with your observations. We should “define” the word. Respect is our recognition that each human being is of intrinsic dignity and worth and should be treated accordingly. Warm regards, PAT

Emotions are so very difficult to overcome. Self-reflection of who we want to be is sobering. Your comments are spot-on! Today’s very rapid communication technology provides the opportunity by “social media” to perpetuate the inaccurate perception of supporting disrespect of our fellow human beings who are also struggling with their journey through life.

” Again, it’s not because they deserve it, but because doing less would diminish our own character.”

This is the argument I use to ban the death penalty. It is not because they don’t deserve to die for what they’ve done but because we are not killers too. We are better than that and plus it harms one’s soul to harm another. It’s the Golden Rule.

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What Will Matter Poem by Michael Josephson

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The mission of the Josephson Institute is, “To improve the ethical quality of society by changing personal and organizational decision making and behavior.” In this space Michael Josephson and the Center for Policing Ethics faculty will provide expert insights and resources to promote professional development and leadership effectiveness of executives and managers and create an ethical business culture which enhances morale, growth, and profitability while reducing risks of costly and reputation damaging lawsuits and scandals.